Cold Laser Therapy

Cold laser therapy delivers specific wavelengths of light that penetrate the tissue without generating heat. It is called “cold” because it doesn’t use high heat like surgical or cutting lasers. Instead, it works at a cellular level to encourage natural healing and pain relief.

What It Does

1. Pain Relief: Helps alleviate both acute and chronic pain by reducing inflammation and desensitizing nerve endings.
2. Reduces Inflammation: Stimulates lymphatic drainage, decreasing swelling and promoting circulation
3. Accelerates Healing: Encourages cellular repair and tissue regeneration by increasing ATP (cellular energy) production.
4. Improves Mobility: Helps animals regain mobility in conditions like arthritis or after surgery.
5. Enhances Recovery: Used post-surgery or after injuries to speed up the recovery process.

Common conditions treated include:

• Arthritis and degenerative joint disease
• Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains)
• Wound healing (post-surgical or traumatic wounds)
• Skin conditions (hot spots, infections)
• Neurological conditions (nerve damage, intervertebral disc disease)
• Chronic pain or stiffness

How to Treat

1. Preparation:
   • The area to be treated should be clean.
   • Sedation is typically not required since the treatment is painless.
   • Some pets may need gentle restraint to keep them still.
2. Treatment Process:
   • A handheld cold laser device is applied to the affected area.
   • The laser light is emitted in pulses or continuous waves, depending on the condition.
   • Each session lasts 5–20 minutes, depending on the size of the area and condition severity.
   • Protective eyewear may be used for the pet and the veterinary team.

How Often

The frequency of cold laser therapy depends on the condition being treated:

• Acute Conditions: Daily or every other day for the first week, then tapering off as the condition improves.
• Chronic Conditions: Often requires more consistent long-term management, typically 1–2 sessions per week initially, then reduced to once every 2–4 weeks as maintenance
• Post-Surgical Care or Injury Recovery: May involve frequent sessions (e.g., every other day) for 1–2 weeks to enhance healing, then reducing frequency as the pet improves.

Benefits

Cold laser therapy is safe, effective, and free of significant side effects. It can be used alone or alongside other treatments such as medications or physical therapy for better results. Pet owners often notice improvement after just a few sessions, such as reduced pain and better mobility.